keypad

noun

key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad How to pronounce keypad (audio)
1
: a small set of keys that is part of a larger keyboard or another device (such as a telephone or calculator)
The keyboards of costly computers … usually have a separate numeric keypad in addition to the usual numerals in the top row of any keyboard.Consumer Reports
This lets you operate your centrally located audio/video gear from anywhere in the house, either by a handheld remote control or a keypad built into the wall.Video Review
2
: a small, usually numerical keyboard
Deactivate the alarm by punching a code into the keypad mounted inside the house.
Using a handheld keypad, the salesperson presses a three-digit code to find specific tracks. For example, "147" might be a segment with maintenance tips for the Cadillac diesel engine.Jane Wollman

Examples of keypad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wipe down the inside of the door, the exterior of the door, keypad, and door handle as well. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 These devices may be attached externally, hidden inside the pump, or paired with cameras or keypad overlays to capture PINs. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 Carefully inspect card readers and keypads for signs of tampering or anything that feels loose or out of place. Lori Smith, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026 Adding machines are used for numerical equations only — their keypads do not have alphabetical characters. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for keypad

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of keypad was in 1966

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keypad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keypad. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

keypad

noun
key·​pad ˈkē-ˌpad How to pronounce keypad (audio)
: a small keyboard (as on a pocket calculator)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster